Optical Fiber Distribution Systems and Components

ABSTRACT

Fiber distribution systems, terminals and tap boxes that provide a reconfigurable and expandable system of hardened connections. An aerial terminal may include at least one feeder port and a plurality of distribution ports, each of the at least one feeder port and the plurality of distribution ports being sealable ports configured to receive one of a duct and a connector, where the connector is configured to interface with a drop type cable. The terminal may include an expandable module configured to receive a splitter. The terminal may be configured to receive a fiber through the feeder port and to output a plurality of fibers through the plurality of distribution ports.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/714,569 filed Sep. 25, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/270,185 filed Sep. 20, 2016 entitled“Optical Fiber Distribution System and Components,” now U.S. Pat. No.10,606,006, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/399,727, filed Sep. 26, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein intheir entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber distributionsystems, and more specifically to systems, terminals and othercomponents of fiber optic communication networks.

BACKGROUND

Data, voice, and other communication networks are increasingly usingfiber optics to carry information. In a fiber optic network, eachindividual fiber is generally connected to both a source and adestination device. Additionally, along the fiber optic run between thesource and the destination, various connections or couplings may be madeon the optical fiber to adjust the length of the fiber or to providetermination connection ports for end users at which one or more fibersmay be branched from a feed cable. In instances when the connection maybe exposed to weather conditions, an essentially waterproofconfiguration of components is needed.

To interconnect the cables, various cable connector designs provide forlow insertion loss and stability. Some example connectors may include,but are not limited to, SC, Dual LC, LC, ST and MPO connectors. In mostof these designs, ferrules (one in each connector, or one in theconnector and one in the apparatus or device), each containing anoptical fiber end, are butted together end to end and light travelsacross the junction.

With the increasing desire for completely optical networks, “fiber tothe premises” (FTTP) or “fiber to the home” (FTTH) systems are beingdeveloped to provide optical fibers that extend from the source to thesite of the end-user. For this purpose, optical connection terminals areused for interconnection of the feed lines from the source with dropcables that extend to various user locations within a certain distancefrom the terminals. One example of an existing pre-determined FTTHnetwork architecture is shown in FIG. 1. The network 100 includes acabinet 102 that receives feeder cabling 104 from a central office 106,and provides multiple distribution cables 108. The feeder cable 104 maybe a fiber cable having up to 288 fibers. Each of the distributioncables 108 is received by a respective terminal 110, which then providesmultiple drop cables 112 that extend to user residences 114. In thenetwork 100, each of the distribution cables 108 includes, for example,8 fibers, and 8 drop cables emanate from each terminal 110. Single cabledrop cabling 116 may also emanate from the cabinet 102, and serve, forexample, a multi-dwelling unit 118.

Pre-determined networks may provide receptacles for fiber cableconnection and distribution. However, pre-determined networks may not beflexible or easily customizable by service providers. As such,pre-determined designs may not provide cost-effective ways to matchenvironmental needs and provide protection from the environmentalelements. Further, as needs change, such as bandwidth requirementschange, it may be difficult or costly to reconfigure the existing,pre-determined networks. Accordingly, there is a need for flexible,customizable fiber distribution systems that may be easily expanded orreconfigured.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a fiber distribution systemcomprising a terminal having at least one feeder port and a plurality ofdistribution ports, each of the at least one feeder port and theplurality of distribution ports being sealable ports configured toreceive a connector configured to interface with a drop type cable, theterminal further comprising an expandable module configured to receive asplitter, wherein the terminal is configured to be mounted aerially. Theterminal may be configured to receive a fiber through the feeder portand to output a plurality of fibers through the plurality ofdistribution ports.

In some embodiments, the module may be configured to be replaceable andthe terminal may be configured to receive a plurality of swappablemodules. In some embodiments, the module may be configured to receivedifferent types of splitters having different split ratios. In someembodiments, the module may be configured to receive at least oneoptical component. In some embodiments, the sealable ports may furtherinclude anti-rotation locking features. In some embodiments, each of thesealable ports may be further configured to receive a duct. Each ductmay be configured to receive pushable fiber there through. The modulemay be configured to terminate said received fiber. The module mayfurther comprise a fiber management area. In some embodiments, theterminal may further comprise a splice tray. In some embodiments, theterminal may further comprise at least one bend-radius protector. Insome embodiments, a plurality of connectors may be configured to couplewith the plurality of distribution ports of the terminal. Each connectorof the plurality of connectors may be configured to receive epoxy so asto provide a hardened connector.

In some embodiments, the terminal may be a first terminal acting as asecondary feed source and the fiber distribution system may furthercomprise a second terminal configured to receive at least one fiber fromthe first terminal. The fiber distribution system may further comprise aplurality of terminals arranged in a daisy chained configuration.

According to another aspect, there is provided a fiber optic terminalcomprising at least one feeder port configured to receive a fiber, aplurality of distribution ports configured to output a plurality offibers, each of the plurality of distribution ports being a sealed portconfigured to receive one of a duct and a connector configured tointerface with a drop type cable. The terminal may further comprise anexpandable module. The terminal may be configured to be mountedaerially. In some embodiments, the expandable module may be configuredto receive a splitter. In some embodiments, the module may be configuredto be replaceable and the terminal may be configured to receive aplurality of swappable modules. In some embodiments, the module may beconfigured to receive different types of splitters having differentsplit ratios. In some embodiments, the terminal may further comprise asplice tray. The terminal may further comprise at least one bend-radiusprotector.

According to another aspect, there is provided a fiber distributionsystem comprising a terminal having at least one feeder port and aplurality of distribution ports, each of the at least one feeder portand the plurality of distribution ports being sealable ports configuredto receive one of a duct and a connector, the connector configured tointerface with a drop type cable, the terminal further comprising anexpandable module configured to receive a splitter. The fiberdistribution system further comprises a tap box configured to mount at auser location, the tap box having at least one sealable port configuredto receive one of a duct and a connector, the tap box further comprisingat least one fiber storage. The terminal may be configured to receive afiber through the feeder port and to output a plurality of fibersthrough the plurality of distribution ports, at least one fiber of theplurality of fibers being received by the tap box through the sealableport of the tap box.

In some embodiments, the module may be configured to be replaceable andthe terminal may be configured to receive a plurality of swappablemodules. In some embodiments, the module may be configured to receivedifferent types of splitters having different split ratios. In someembodiments, the module may be configured to receive any opticalcomponent, including any type of connector.

In some embodiments, the sealable ports may further includeanti-rotation locking features. In some embodiments, the terminal maycomprise a base and a cover.

In some embodiments, the tap box may comprise a plurality of slack fiberstorages. The plurality of slack fiber storages may be stackable andconfigured to provide slack storage of about 600 feet. In someembodiments, the tap box may include removable bulkheads including atleast one blank bulkhead configurable for receiving any type ofconnector. In some embodiments, the tap box may be configured to receivea plurality of different types of drop cables.

The fiber distribution system may further comprise a plurality ofconnectors configured to couple with the plurality of distribution portsof the terminal and with the at least one sealable port of the tap box.Each connector of the plurality of connectors may be configured toreceive epoxy so as to provide a hardened connector. In variousembodiments, the ducts may be configured to receive pushable fiber therethrough.

In some embodiments, the terminal may be a first terminal acting as asecondary feed source and the fiber distribution system may furthercomprise a second terminal configured to receive at least one fiber fromthe first terminal. In some embodiments, the fiber distribution systemmay comprise a plurality of terminals arranged in a daisy chainedconfiguration.

According to another aspect, there is provided a fiber optic terminalcomprising at least one feeder port, a plurality of distribution ports,each of the plurality of distribution ports being a sealable portconfigured to receive one of a duct and a connector configured tointerface with a drop type cable, and an expandable module configured toreceive a splitter. The terminal may be configured to receive a fiberthrough the feeder port and to output a plurality of fibers through theplurality of distribution ports. In some embodiments, the module may beconfigured to be replaceable and the terminal may be configured toreceive a plurality of swappable modules. In some embodiments, themodule may be configured to receive different types of splitters havingdifferent split ratios.

According to another aspect, there is provided a fiber optic tap boxcomprising a mount configured to attach the tap box to a user location,at least one sealable port configured to receive one of a duct and aconnector, at least one port configured to provide a drop cable to theuser location, and at least one slack fiber storage. In someembodiments, the tap box may be configured to provide a plurality ofdifferent types of drop cables through the at least one port.

The present disclosure is not limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an existing FTTH network;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an optical fiberdistribution system configured according to aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a terminal configuredaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the terminal ofFIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the inside of the terminal of FIG. 3 accordingto aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the terminal of FIG. 3 according to aspectsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base of the terminal of FIG. 3according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the terminal of FIG. 3 according to aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the terminal of FIG. 3 according to aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the terminal of FIG. 3according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a test access point(tap) box with a closed lid and an open lid according to aspects of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the tap box of FIG.11 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the tap box of FIG. 11 according to aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the tap box of FIG. 11, with a closed lid andan open lid according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the tap box of FIG. 11according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connectorconfigured according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 16 according to aspectsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 16 being coupledto a distribution port of the terminal of FIG. 3 according to aspects ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 16 receiving acable according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an optical fiberdistribution system using terminals, tap boxes and connectors configuredaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of an aerial terminal accordingto aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the terminal ofFIG. 21 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the terminal ofFIG. 21 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an aerial terminal in a closed positionaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an aerial terminal in an open positionaccording to aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an aerial terminal in an open positionaccording to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are side views of an aerial terminal according toaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is an interior side view of an aerial terminal according toaspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 29 is an interior side view of an aerial terminal according toaspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure provide optical fiber distributionsystems and components that are customizable to cost-effectively matchenvironmental conditions and service provider needs. Embodiments provideflexible, customizable fiber distribution systems that may be easilyexpanded or reconfigured.

Various embodiments of optical fiber distribution systems, terminals,enclosures, connectors and drop cable options disclosed herein maysimplify fiber deployment, reduce initial capital expenditures andminimize long-term operational costs. Embodiments may provide nextgeneration hardened optical fiber terminals, test access points withdeployment reels and various drop cable options. Embodiments disclosedherein are designed such that service provider or providers have thefreedom of choice to match drop cable technology with the needs of theirenvironment and first-cost priorities.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide optical fiber distributionmulti point drop systems. Embodiments allow fiber signals to passthrough cables and connectors and into one or more distributionterminals, and then into one or more tap boxes for providing fiber tothe home, apartment, or multi-dwelling unit (MDU).

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an optical fiber distribution multi-pointdrop system 120 configured according to aspects of the presentdisclosure. A central office 122 provides a feeder cable 124 to acabinet or primary feed location 126. In this embodiment, the feedercable 124 includes 288 fibers. In other embodiments, other types offeeder cables may be used, having a different number of fibers. Thecabinet 126 is configured as a primary feed, receiving the feeder cable124 and outputting a plurality of distribution cables 128. Thedistribution cables may service different locations, such as houses orneighborhoods. In this embodiment, each distribution cable includes 12fibers. In other embodiments, a different number of fibers may beprovided.

The optical fiber distribution system 120 includes a plurality ofterminals configured according to aspects of the present disclosure.Each terminal may be configured differently and customized according toservice provider and customer needs. In this embodiment, terminal 130 isconfigured to receive a distribution cable 128. Terminal 130 outputs asingle fiber to another terminal 132. Terminal 130 is also equipped witha 1×4 splitter inside, and outputs four drop cables 140, each of whichis received by a respective tap box 142 located at end user premises144, such as the side of a house. Terminal 130 acts as a secondary feedby providing a single fiber output that feeds another terminal 132.Thus, terminal 132 is not fed from the primary feed or cabinet 126, butrather from another terminal 130 configured as a secondary feed.Terminal 132 is configured to include a 1×8 splitter inside, therebyproviding 8 drop cables to tap boxes 142 located at user premises 144.

The terminals may be indexed, also referred to as daisy chained, so asto provide drop cables at successive locations along a route. Forexample, terminals 130, 134, 136 and 138 are daisy chained. The 10remaining fibers at terminal 130 are propagated and input to a terminal134. A single fiber is output at terminal 134, with the remaining 9fibers being propagated and input to the next terminal 136. Again, asingle fiber is output at terminal 136, with the remaining 8 fibersbeing propagated and input to the next terminal 138, and so on, until noactive fibers remain. Each of the terminals that are daisy chained maybe customized. For example, terminal 134 includes a 1×4 splitter,terminal 136 includes a 1×2 splitter, and terminal 138 includes a 1×6splitter. Tap boxes 142 may be attached to various types of userlocations, such as residences 144 or multi-dwelling units 146.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is one example of an optical fiberdistribution system disclosed herein. Other optical fiber distributionsystems may be configured differently, for example using a differentnumber of terminals, each of which is configured differently.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a terminal 150configured according to aspects of the present disclosure. The terminal150 includes a base 152 and a cover 154. A plurality of latches 156 areused to lock the cover to the base. Embodiments are not limited tolatching locks. In other embodiments, other types of locking mechanismsmay be used.

FIG. 4 is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the terminal150, showing a plurality of ports 158 disposed within the base 152. Theterminal 150 also includes a mounting plate 160 to facilitate attachmentof the terminal to a mounting surface (not shown).

FIG. 5 is a top view of the inside of the base 152, showing a pluralityof ports 162 and 164. The two larger ports are feeder ports 162. Eachfeeder port 162 is a 14 mm sealed duct port with a breakoff cap andanti-rotation locking feature. The 18 smaller ports are distributionports 164. Each distribution port 164 is a 10 mm sealed duct port with abreakoff cap and anti-rotation locking feature. Although this embodimentshows two feeder ports 162 and 18 distribution ports 164, otherembodiments may include a different number of each type of port. Theports 162 and the ports 164 can be sealed. The ports 162 and 164 caninclude knock-out covers that can be removed once a port 162 and 164 isused. The ports may also be arranged in a different configuration thanthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The terminal 150 further includes amodule or cassette 166. In this example, the module or cassette 166 isan 18-port front feed cassette with splice and fiber management area.The module 166 is configured to terminate the fiber that runs into theterminal. Other embodiments may include other types or configurations ofmodules.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the base 152, showing the feeder ports 162and the distribution ports 164. A detailed view (Detail A) of one of thefeeder ports 162 shows an anti-rotation locking feature 166. Similarly,the distribution ports may include anti-rotation locking featuresaccording to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base 152, further illustrating aradius protection element 168 and fiber containment fingers 170. In thisembodiment, various components and features are disposed within the baseportion of the terminal. In other embodiments, various components suchas the radius protection element 168 and the fiber containment fingers170 may be disposed, for example, in the cover portion of the terminal.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the terminal 150, showing exemplary dimensionsof the terminal. In this example, the terminal is shaped approximatelyas a square, having dimensions of about 7.45 inches by about 7.03inches. In other embodiments, the terminals may have different sizes,and may be shaped differently than those illustrated herein. FIG. 9 is aside view of the terminal 150, showing that the terminal has a height ofabout 7.31 inches. In other embodiments, the terminal may have adifferent height, and may be shaped differently than those illustratedherein. For example, in some embodiments, the terminal 150 may havedimensions that are substantially smaller than the 7 inches in heightand width.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the terminal 150, showing thecover 154 and the base 152, the distribution ports 164, the radiusprotection element 168 and fiber containment fingers 170.

Embodiments of terminals disclosed herein, such as terminal 150, may beused in optical fiber distribution systems, such as the system 120 ofFIG. 2. For example, a feeder port of terminal 130 may be configured toreceive the feeder cable 128 having 12 fibers into the terminal. Theterminal may be configured to allow connecting the fibers to thecassette or module within the terminal. Drop cables may be supplied touser locations through one or more distribution ports. Various userlocations may be equipped with tap boxes configured to receive one ormore fibers and to connect them to the user locations, while alsostoring slack.

Terminals disclosed herein improve the customer application and craftexperience by providing an access terminal capable of multiple drops,for example 16 drops, multiple feeder ports, for example two feederports for mid-span and daisy chaining scenarios, along with a fullyprotected and restorable pathway from the terminal to a tap box using amodular and flexible approach that scales across the applicationenvironment.

Utilizing the technology that couples ducts in a restoration ortransitional scenario, terminals disclosed herein may provide 16 dropsports along with two feeder ports using a “half cartridge coupler” thatprovides an air/water tight connection, which reduces overall costs byeliminating the need for expensive proprietary connectors. Ducts may bebrought to the terminal, trimmed to length and pushed into the halfcartridge coupler of the terminal, completing the protected pathway.Fiber may then be pulled or pushed from the customer premise to the“inside” of the terminal, where connector assembly is completed andmated to a removable module or cassette that has been configured to thecustomer's application. Fiber is not exposed as it enters the flowerpot, vault, or pedestal where the terminal is stored but rather isdelivered directly to the terminal, reducing risk of accidental damageto the fiber. The craft-sensitive nature of properly assembling ahardened connector is eliminated. Re-entering the terminal simplyinvolves removing the cover. The sealed ports entering the terminal arenever compromised.

In some embodiments, the increased port count to 16 allows for moredistributed split options including 4, 8 and 16 way splitters (SC)housed and terminated into the terminal cassette. Hot-swappability ofthe module or cassette allows for future reconfiguration or restorationof the module or cassette without having to replace the entire terminal.Plug-and-play scenarios using Clearfield's FieldShield Pushable MPOConnectors allow for single connector connectivity up to 16 ports whenconfigured with an MPO to a 16 SC cassette. In some embodiments, theterminal may be optimized for customer specified daisy-chainingapplications utilizing optical components and/or MTP/MPO. In variousembodiments, the cassette may be configured to provide splicingcapabilities for restoration scenarios or for that rare occasion wherean unplanned terminal must be placed in lieu of a factoryterminated/tested terminal.

Various embodiments of terminals disclosed herein may be configuredaccording to various mounting options. A first mounting option is belowgrade. The terminal may be placed in a flower pot, pull box, small orlarge vault and is treated similar to a splice case. Because ducts areterminated directly into the terminal providing a water-tight, gas-tightseal, along with 100 lbs. of pullout force, the terminal, fully orpartially loaded, can be placed directly into a chosen housing providingthe number of ducts and associated slack. As all ducts are terminatedinto the terminal, it is recommended that duct slack that allows forremoval of the terminal into sufficient access and working position beapplied. Whether that be directly over the access point or pulled into aconditioned environment like a splice trailer, the terminal adjusts tothe customer's craft practices. If a secured placement into thisenvironment is desired (off the bottom of the closure and off ofcables/ducts), the mounting options for the above grade pedestal mountedoptions can be applied. Access to the terminal is no different than asplice case in that the technician will pull the terminal out of thevault/flower pot and access the terminal per company practices. Thecover of the terminal may be held on with 8 spring clips that can bedisengaged using fingers but provide the necessary compression force tofully seat the cover against the silicon seal on the base of theterminal when all 8 clips are engaged.

A second mounting option is a pedestal mount or a pole mount. In oneembodiment, the terminal may include an L-bracket with a lockingwheel-nut that is configured to attach to the cover of the terminal,providing the flexibility to mount the terminal into any pedestal orpole while providing quick and easy access to the terminal cassette foradding/removing/troubleshooting service or adding additional ducts.

A third mounting option is that the terminal may be strand mounted foraerial applications for plug-and-play applications utilizing a straightF1/F2 hub and spoke approach or for daisy-chaining applications with theuse of splitters and MTP/MPO connectivity. Some of these configurationscan provide greater flexibility, increased port capacity, and lowercustomer cost through labor savings and reduced complexity to deploy.

According to another aspect disclosed herein, when fiber is alreadydeployed at the network access point, embodiments of the terminal may beconfigured as patch and splice with an unterminated input leg. In oneexample, splicing the incoming fiber to the input leg of the splittermay provide service for up to eight customers. For customers who areexperiencing fiber constraints, optical splitters with pre-terminateddrop ports may be deployed to split the signal and maximize networkperformance. The physical architecture and placement of pathways remainlargely the same when using the terminal to service active anddistributed split business class services. Flexibility in configurationprovides maximum scalability across multiple service classes.

In some embodiments, the terminal may include, for example, 1×2, dual1×2, 1×4, dual 1×4, 1×8, dual 1×8 and 1×16 splitters pre-terminated toboth the input and output adapter ports. As a result, the terminal maybe fed from the distribution point with a single SC pushable assemblyand distribute up to sixteen SC pushable drops without any additionalsplicing.

Various embodiments of terminals disclosed herein are made of black UVresistant thermoplastic designed to resist corrosion. Environmentallysealed terminals provide maximum reliability and durability in theharshest OSP environments. Flat-SC drop connectors may providebend-limiting relief protection and watertight seal for flat drop, OSPand other types of cable.

In some embodiments, the terminal may be configured to accept up to 1610 mm distribution ports (for example, for 10 mm FieldShield Microductor FieldShield Flat-SC). In some embodiments, the terminal may accept upto two 14 mm feeder ports (for example, for 14 mm Field ShieldMicroduct). Embodiments may have a compact sealed design, therebyallowing for placement above or below grade. Patch and spliceconfigurations may accept both flat drop and OSP cable types.Flexibility in configuration provides maximum scalability acrossmultiple services classes. In some embodiments, field-assembled FieldShield Pushable drop cables reduce installation time and labor costs byremoving expensive splicing labor from the terminal to customer premise.Pre-terminated factory polished feeder and drop cables improve networkoperability across multiple network access points.

In one embodiment, the terminal may have dimensions of about 7.14 inches(width) by about 6.74 inches (depth) by about 7.31 inches (height). Insome embodiments, the terminal may be made of black UV resistantthermoplastic material. In various embodiments, the terminal may bemounted below grade, such as in a flower pot or a vault. In otherembodiments, the terminal may be mounted above grade, such as in acabinet, pedestal, pole mount or an aerial/strand mount. In variousembodiments, the terminal may not be configured to provide for internalslack storage inside the terminal. Instead, slack fiber storage may beprovided at customer locations, such as within tap boxes mounted atcustomer locations as described in further detail below. External slackstorage is virtually unlimited, and depends on vault size or mountingapplication.

In some embodiments, the feeder ports of the terminal may comprise two14 mm half cartridges, and distribution ports of the terminal maycomprise sixteen 10 mm half cartridges. Terminals disclosed herein maybe configured to provide various types of connectors, for example SC/APCand SC/UPC for the distribution and feeder ports.

According to another aspect disclosed herein, for service providerslooking to remove splicing from small count fiber deployments, theterminal may be configured to provide a hardened MPO OSP plug-and-playsolution. Once deployed in an industry standard OSP enclosure, a MPO toMPO patch cord or MPO to SC or LC connector breakout feeder assembly ispulled back to the fiber distribution point and plugged into anavailable network port. Microducts may be routed from the terminal tothe customer premise and hardened pushable drop cables may be installedonce service turn-up is required.

In some embodiments, the terminal may include up to sixteen SCpre-connectorized distribution ports terminated to an MPO breakoutfeeder input port. By simplifying the patch and splice configuration toa plug-and-play solution, deployment is built around a single terminalpart number and matching MPO feeder cables built to specific applicationor standardized lengths. Features described above in relation with otherembodiments of terminals may also be applied to embodiments of terminalsconfigured with MPO breakout feeder assembly.

According to another aspect disclosed herein, terminals may beconfigured in a patch and splice configuration. Whether distributioncables are passing through a serving area, fiber is being handed off viaa mid-span and continuing on, or current architecture is being upgradedto push fiber further into the network with FTTH build outs, in someembodiments the terminal may be configured to accept the “hand-off” offiber and distribute up to sixteen service drops. A route path is eitherdirect buried or aerially established to the subscriber with microductsor Flat-SC drop connect. In one embodiment using the microduct solution,a pre-terminated pushable drop cable, terminated with a pushableconnector on one end and industry standard connector on the other, maybe pushed or pulled from or to the terminal, mated and secured with anindustry standard SC connector.

Similar to a cassette, the terminal may include a user defined spliceoption to allow push or pull capability from or to the terminal. Theterminal may be custom configured by the service provider to meet theexact configuration for every individual service area deployment. Theterminal may be configured as patch and splice with a one/half meter 12-or 24-fiber 250 μm ribbon breakout and accept up to sixteen 40 mmindividual splice sleeves. Features described above in relation withother embodiments of terminals may also be applied to embodiments ofterminals having a patch and splice configuration.

According to another aspect disclosed herein, terminals may beconfigured in a patch only configuration. From the splitter in an activecabinet or fiber distribution hub, distribution cables may betransported into a consolidated splice point that serves multipleterminals. The pathway from the splice point to the terminal accesspoint may be established, for example, with a FieldShield Microduct orFlat-SC. In some embodiments using the microduct solution, apre-terminated Field Shield Pushable Drop Cable, terminated with apushable connector on one end and industry standard connector on theother, is pushed or pulled from or to the terminal, mated and securedwith an industry standard SC connector. Once established, a patch onlyterminal may be placed in the housing of choice at the test access point(TAP) and the pre-determined length of FieldShield Optical Cable may bepushed or pulled back to the consolidated splice point.

In some embodiments, the terminal may be configured to provide up tosixteen SC pre-connectorized drop ports with a FieldShield PushableFeeder Cable, flat drop cable, OSP cable, or other type of cable, builtto customer specified lengths. The terminal may be configured with afactory-terminated FieldShield Optical Cable, from two to sixteen SCports, for the feeder configuration that may be pushed or pulled throughField Shield Microduct to a consolidated splice point in the servingarea. Distribution ports may be sealed with water tight caps on theinside of the base, until service turn-up is required. Featuresdescribed above in relation with other embodiments of terminals may alsobe applied to embodiments of terminals having a patch onlyconfiguration.

Various embodiments of terminals disclosed herein provide flexible andhardened terminals. Various embodiments are configured to supportvarious different types of drops and microducts, including thosesupplied by Clearfield. The configuration flexibility supports multitudeof application environments. Various embodiments may serve as terminalaccess points in a centralized split architecture and provide segmentedor distributed functionality of that same centralized splitter cabinetat a lower cost per home connected. Various embodiments may provideplug-and-play readiness, and may flex and scale to meet the requirementfoundation for any network design.

In some embodiments, the terminal may be configured for aerialenvironments. Aerial terminals may be configured to allow formid-spanning up to a 144-count optical fiber for fiber connectivity withup to twelve drops from the terminal to the subscriber. Withoutcommanding a price premium over a simple splice case that has often beenused to provide the splicing and connectivity required for thisapplication, aerial terminals also provide interconnect connectivity. Inaddition, the aerial terminal may provide the service provider a choiceof drop cable media.

An aerial terminal allows for aerial/strand mount fiber deploymentwithin the network architecture. Designed for easy craft accessibility,embodiments of an aerial terminal may have a removable hinged cover withfour side entrance cable access ports. Some embodiments of aerialterminal may have 12 individual drops terminated to SC connectors.Various embodiments of the aerial terminal may be configured to acceptvarious drop options, for example all of the FieldShield drop options,as well as other cable drop options.

Various embodiments of aerial terminals may be optimized for use withFieldShield Microduct and Pushable Fiber, as well as FieldShield flatdrop cable assemblies. Embodiments of the aerial terminal may be made ofblack UV resistant thermoplastic designed to resist corrosion. Freebreathing aerial terminals provides durability and protection in the OSPenvironments. In some embodiments, 10 mm half cartridges provideduct/fiber protection as well as strain relief for drop cables.

Various embodiments of the terminal provides the terminal access pointin a centralized split architecture or replaces and provides segmentedor distributed functionality of a centralized splitter cabinet at alower cost per home connected. Depending on anticipated take rates,competitive environment, make-ready challenges, and the physicalconstruction environment, the same terminal having plug-and-playreadiness may flex and scale to meet the requirement foundation for anynetwork design.

Various embodiments of terminals may provide 16 ports, the highestdensity in marketplace. Various embodiments may be configured to provideSC, MPO/MPT or LC connectors. Terminals may include ducts or microductsthat minimize failure points by creating a water tight pathway throughthe duct or utilizing flat drop. Terminals are not restricted toproprietary connectors.

In various embodiments, the terminal may include a cartridge configuredto provide flexible plug and play in addition to upgrade capabilities,such as when future bandwidth requirements change. Plug and playconnectivity not only provides multiple interface options at thecartridge but also provides the ability to swap out the cartridge inminimal time using the same drop cable connectivity already there andwithout the added expense of another terminal.

The terminals may be configured to allow various applications. In oneembodiment, the terminal may be configured for daisy chainedapplications. This configuration provides terminal and drop connectivitywhile providing signal advancement to the next terminal. In variousembodiments, the terminals may be configured to support MPO, SC and LCconnectors. Terminals may also be configured for coarse and dense wavedivision multiplexing. In some embodiments, terminals may be configuredfor distributed split applications, and may include different types ofsplitters, such as 1×4, 1×8, 1×16 PLC splitters, and may be arranged instub configurations.

Various embodiments of the terminal may support, for example, 4, 8, 12,and 16 fiber MPO to SC/LC. Multifiber cables may be routed from a fiberdistribution hub (FDH) to various embodiments of terminals disclosedherein (e.g., MPO/MPO from FDH to terminal using FieldshieldMultifiber). Various embodiments may have stubbed configurations whenconsolidated splice points are used (MPO/blunt from FDH to consolidatedsplice point using Fieldshield Multifiber, and Blunt/MPO from terminalto consolidated splice point using Fieldshield Multifiber).

Accordingly, as described herein, various embodiments of terminalsdisclosed herein may be reconfigurable and expandable. For example,terminals may be configured to allow adding optical components,splitters, or CWDM. Terminals may feature hot swappable modules andfeature plug and play functionality.

The tap box provides a secure demarcation point between the serviceprovider network and multiple customer environments such as a singlefamily unit (SFU), multi-dwelling unit (MDU) or business. The tap boxgives the network service provider both the ability to store slack fiberas well as provide a test access point (TAP) for ease of deployment andnetwork maintenance without needing to have access to the interior ofthe customer premise. Embodiments of the tap box may be configured toaccept a variety of drop cables, which allows the tap box to beintegrated into any network architecture and deployment.

Drop cable choices are traditionally limited to OSP cables with littleto no hardened connector options, making it difficult to deploycost-effectively. Low cost of flat drop cables has led to theirpopularity. While they satisfy direct-buried requirements, they requirea costly and bulky connector when hardened connectivity is required.Further, they introduce slack storage challenges that are eitherunsightly or costly to hide when “exact” engineered lengths cannot beaccomplished. While flat drop material cost is generally the lowest onthe market, the lack of restoration, aesthetic feel and hidden TotalCost of Ownership (TCO) factors make this choice challenging.Accordingly, various embodiments disclosed herein offer multiple dropoptions, giving the customer a choice for the drop cable that best suitsthe top priority of their build.

Further, various embodiments of terminals and tap boxes disclosed hereinare configured to allow the use of ducts or microducts, such asClearfield's FieldShield Microduct, coupled with pushable fiber. Theducts are configured to provide protection to the fiber. The ducts andpushable fiber separate the physical fiber protection of a cable fromthe actual fiber itself. This allows for a pathway to be established andoptions to be deployed on that pathway that could be upgraded in thefuture or restored if the pathway was cut, with minimal costs anddisturbance to the environment.

Embodiments of tap boxes disclosed herein provide one of the smallesttest access point enclosures in the industry while providing a seamlessinterconnect between varying drop technologies. Some embodiments may beconfigured to house two FieldShield Deploy reels of up to 300 ft. ofStrongFiber or 50 ft. of 3 mm FLEXdrop, or any other type of cable,saving on pre-engineering and allows 10:1 space savings at the demark.

Embodiments of the tap boxes disclosed herein have the smallestdemarcation footprint in the industry. In some embodiments, the tap boxmay be configured to provide up to about 600 feet of slack fiber storage(300 feet per reel). This eliminates the need for having a large, bulkyand unsightly box on the side of an SFU, MDU or business location, tostore excess or unused fiber.

Various embodiments of tap boxes may provide multiple drop wheel andfeeder options. Embodiments may include multiple mounting plates toprovide maximum drop flexibility. Cable assemblies may be placed andbrought to a tap box. In some embodiments, connectors may be snappedinto place on the bottom of the tap box, providing an air/water tightconnection.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a test access point (tap) box 180having a lid 182. The lid 182 may be closed or opened, as illustrated.The tap box 180 also includes a base 184 coupled to the lid 182. The tapbox 180 includes a plurality of ports 186. The tap box 180 is alsoconfigured to include slack fiber storage 188 within its interior, asdefined by the base 184 and the lid 182. The slack fiber storage 188 isshown to be coupled to the base 184. In other embodiments, the slackfiber storage 188 may be coupled elsewhere, for example, to the lid 182.

FIG. 12 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the tap box 180,showing a plurality of slack fiber storages 188. Each slack fiberstorage 188 is coupled about its central axis to a respective mount 190.The bottom mount 190 is configured to couple to the base 184. The slackfiber storages 188 are configured as wheels. In this embodiment, thereare two slack fiber storages 188. However, in other embodiments, the tapbox may include one or more slack fiber storages. The tap box 180further includes removable bulkheads 192.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the tap box 180, showing the removablebulkheads 192, and further illustrating the ports 186. Each port 186 isa 10 mm sealed duct port with a breakoff cap and an anti-rotationlocking feature. FIG. 14 shows top views of the tap box 180, with aclosed lid 182 and an open lid exposing the slack fiber storage 188. Asshown in FIG. 14, the tap box 140 also includes a 10 mm duct port 194with a breakoff cap for passing through a wall. FIG. 15 is across-sectional side view of the tap box 180, illustrating the ports 186and 194, as well as the slack fiber storages 188 and mounts 190.

Embodiments of the tap box may have a hinged removable cover design,making it easy for craft personnel to access the box during both initialservice installation and ongoing maintenance. In some embodiments, slackfiber storages may include fiber reels that may be installed into tapboxes by snapping them onto a post bracket or mount that is mountedinside the box. Each post bracket or mount may have a built-in featurethat locks the reels in place once the fiber has been pulled to thespecified location.

In some embodiments, once mounted inside the box, reels may be deployedby using a pull string to pull fiber from the bottom reel back throughthe 10 mm duct and connect it to the distribution/access point. Bringingfiber to the inside of the customer location may be accomplished byusing the top reel and pulling it to the desired location. In someembodiments, either 900 um fiber with a ducted pathway or 3 mm fiber maybe used for this internal application.

Various embodiments of the tap box may be customizable and are flexible.In some embodiments, the tap box may be empty (for future fiberdeployment). Various embodiments may include empty reels for slack fiberstorage. In some embodiments, the tap box may include one, two or morefiber reels, each holding up to 300 feet of 900 um fiber. Variousembodiments of tap boxes may provide multiple drop options. In someembodiments, one or more insertable/interchangeable cable entranceplates may be incorporated into the bottom of the box. The tap box mayinclude a plate with couplers for bringing in one, two or more 10 mmduct or flat drop assemblies. A blank plate may allow configuring a tapbox with multiple cable, duct and connector feed options into the tapbox, and would allow various types of connectors to be installed. Someembodiments may include an access port on rear of box, which allows fordirect fiber deployment into the customer location. Some embodiments ofthe tap box may include optional private labeling on the front cover toeasily identify a service provider's identification. Various embodimentsof tap boxes are designed for all environments. The tap box may have agasketed cover, watertight duct fittings and may be made from impact andUV resistant PBT and PC material.

Various embodiments of the tap box may provide fiber terminations thatare Telcordia and RUS compliant. Various embodiments of the tap boxsupport industry standard SC single mode connectors. Various embodimentsof the tap box have a small footprint. In one example, the tap box hasdimensions of about 7.8 inches (height) by 6.25 inches (width) by 2.81inches (depth).

Various embodiments of the tap box include a gasketed cover forprotection from elements, and watertight connectors for sealing of duct.Some embodiments may include a pin in hex screw for reduced tampering.Some embodiments may be made of high-impact UV resistant thermal plasticmaterial—to resist and withstand corrosive environments.

Various embodiments of the tap box are configured to accept multipledrop options for maximum flexibility. Some embodiments have a removablehinged cover to allow for easy access to closure. Some embodiments mayinclude lockable pins to hold deploy reels or slack fiber storages inplace once fiber is deployed. Some embodiments may be configured toinclude at least one of a wall mount and a pole mount. Some embodimentsmay include pre-terminated deploy reels, which minimizes splicing andconnectorization field costs. In other embodiments, it is possible toadd reels after the tap box has been installed.

Tap boxes may be configured to provide multiple drop options. Oneexample of a drop option is the FieldShield Flat-SC. Flat dropconnectivity in the last mile is a widely-used product and is a goodsolution for both direct buried and aerial drop applications. Variousembodiments of the tap boxes may provide flat drop connectivity. Flat SCcable assemblies may be pre-terminated from the factory and areavailable in multiple lengths. Cable assemblies are placed and broughtto a tap box, where the connector is snapped into place, for example onthe bottom of the box, providing an air/water tight connection.

The FieldShield Flat-SC is the first connector to provide hardenedenvironmental performance on a flat drop style cable without the addedcost or dependency in the market's existing bulky solutions. Variousembodiments of the flat cables disclosed herein are airtight andwatertight. Various embodiments may be plugged directly into terminalsdisclosed herein, providing matching hardened connector performance, yetcarrying a significant up-front reduction in costs when compared toexisting market offerings. Some embodiments with factory installedconnectors utilizing Clearfield® FiberDeep® technology guarantee 0.2 dBinsertion loss or less, exceeding industry standards.

Flat cables disclosed herein, such as the Flat-SC cables may also beconfigured to fit into embodiments of tap boxes disclosed herein,utilizing the pre-terminated assembly for easy and reliable connections.For example, a 10 mm connector snaps into the receptacle providing anair-tight, water-tight connection between a tap box and a terminal.

Another drop cable option is the FieldShield D(ROP), a cable-in-conduitsolution, referred to as a “restorable one pass” drop. FieldShieldD(ROP) is a fiber pre-placed in a 7 mm diameter microduct. Rather thanestablish the route path of the duct and then push a pre-terminated dropto the customer as a second step, D(ROP) combines these two functionsinto one. D(ROP) includes a pre-terminated fiber that is alreadyinstalled.

Various drop cable embodiments disclosed herein may be configured toguarantee an insertion loss of less than or equal to about 0.2 dB.

D(ROP) cable presents the same footprint as a flat drop cable. D(ROP)cable is restorable. Fiber cuts are located, repaired and a new fiberassembly is pulled from point A to B with a pre-terminated LC assembly.In the event that an LC is not used, blunt fiber may be pulled andcompleted with a fuse-on connector minimizing costs and time to restorethe service outage. Plugged directly into embodiments of terminals andtap boxes disclosed herein, the D(ROP) cable provides a completeprotection pathway from the access point directly to the premise,business or antenna with the option for restoration after accidentalfiber cut. D(ROP) does not have the slack storage challenges that a flatdrop presents because the duct slack can be peeled or removed leavingonly the 900 um pre-terminated/tested fiber assembly.

Another drop cable option is the FLEXdrop, which provides all the samecharacteristics as a 3 mm pushable/pullable FieldShield Fiber, withincreased flexibility and reduced jacket memory, providing better slackstorage and routing while decreasing the risk of kinking. Cable can berouted, without protection of duct, into the inside premise throughwalls, stapled and/or applied using local contractor accepted practices.FLEXdrop can be used with a tap box and deploy reels for connectivity tothe terminal as well as for final connectivity inside the premise at theONT or fiber jack/demarcation. FieldShield FLEXdrop is typically used inconjunction with FieldShield Microduct solutions. For example, FLEXdropcan be either pulled or pushed through microduct at turn-up, maximizinginstallation efficiency. In the event of a later fiber cut, the fibercan be easily pulled from microduct. The duct is then repaired and a newFieldShield Pushable Assembly is pushed or pulled through the microductfor a fast and cost-effective restoration. In other embodiments, theFLEXdrop does not require a duct or microduct. In some applications, theFLEXdrop cable may be stapled directly to walls and ceilings forsingular applications.

Another drop cable option is the FieldShield Strong Fiber—a durable hightensile strength fiber when compared to other fibers of its size.StrongFiber is suitable for indoor and outdoor environments.Manufactured with premium bend-insensitive fiber, FieldShieldStrongFiber offers high tensile strength to resist damage to the fiberduring installation in the FieldShield Microducts. When terminated witha FieldShield pullable connector, the FieldShield StrongFiber can bequickly deployed, and in turn, reduces installation time drastically.

Another drop cable option is the FieldShield Pushable Optical Cable, adurable and crush resistant product that is suitable for most indoor oroutdoor environments. Manufactured using PBT jacketing, pushable opticalfiber offers flexibility as well as resistance to chemicals. WhileFieldShield Pushable Optical Fiber is typically used in conjunction withFieldShield Microduct solutions, it is strong enough to be stapleddirectly to walls and its bend insensitive fiber is flexible enough togo around 90 degree corners.

Various types of cables disclosed herein may be used in variousembodiments of fiber distribution systems, and in conjunction withterminals, tap boxes and other components disclosed herein. In someembodiments, cables may be either pulled or pushed through microduct atturn-up, maximizing installation efficiency. In the event of a laterfiber cut, the fiber can be easily pulled from microduct. The duct isthen repaired and a new FieldShield Pushable Assembly is pushed orpulled through the microduct for a fast and cost-effective restoration.

In some embodiments, a cable, such as FLEXdrop, may be configuredaccording to aspects of the present disclosure to support all industrystandard connectors. The cable may be available in single mode. In someembodiments, a cable may include bend-insensitive (G.657.A2) fiber thatprotects optical signal with minimal to zero attenuation down to a 10 mmradius. In some embodiments, cables may include PVDF jacketingconfigured to provide high column strength and low coefficient offriction to maximize push and pull distances. In some embodiments,cables such as the FLEXdrop, may be Lightweight and highly crushresistant, making the FLEXdrop strong enough to be stapled directly towalls, joists and around corners, with appropriate staples. Someembodiments of cables may be protected by water blocking Kevlar strengthmember. Tech-friendly 250 μm fiber inside 900 μm tube reduces splicingsteps and installation costs. Various embodiments of cables disclosedherein may be suitable for all types of indoor and outdoorimplementations. Various embodiments of cables are configured forpushing directly into a cassette, such as a module or cassette disposedwithin a terminal. Quick and easy deployment allows capital investmentto be aligned to customer take rates.

In some embodiments, the cable may have a clad diameter of about125.0±0.7 μm, Clad Non-circularity of less than or equal to 1 percent,core/clad concentricity error of less than or equal to about 0.5 μmmaximum, and less than about 0.2 μm typically. The cable may have acoating diameter (uncolored) of about 235-245 μm, a coating-cladconcentricity error (Offset) of less than or equal to about 12 μm, atensile proof test of 100 kpsi (0.69 GPa), a coating strip force rangeof ≥0.3 lbf<2.0 lbf (≥1.3 N<8.9 N), and a cable spec of about 0.35 dB/km@ 1,310 nm and 0.25 dB/km @ 1,550 nm.

In some embodiments, a cable may include bend-insensitive fiber, mayhave a maximum spool length of about 20,000 feet, may include single ormultiple fibers, may work with various types of pushable and standardconnectors (e.g., Pushable Connectors FieldShield SC/UPC, SC/APC,Simplex LC/UPC, Simplex LC/APC, Standard Connectors SC/UPC, SC/APC,LC/UPC, LC/APC, FC/UPC, FC/APC, ST/UPC, HFOC SC/APC), may have a singlemode, may have an internal fiber size of about 250 μm, may have anoutside diameter of about 0.118 inches (3 mm), may be made of PVDFmaterial, may have a bend-radius of about 10 mm minimum, may have anoperating temperature of about −40° F. to about 176° F. (−40° C. to 80°C.), installation temperature of about −14° F. to about 158° F. (−26° C.to 70° C.), installation tension of 20 lbf for 3 mm, and 20 lbf for 4mm.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector 200configured according to aspects of the present disclosure. The connector200 may be used in conjunction with the terminals and tap boxesdisclosed herein. The connector 200 includes a first end 202 and asecond end 204 opposite the first end. The connector 200 includes afirst portion 206 having the first end 202 and a second portion 208having the second end 204. The first portion 206 has a diameterdifferent from that of the second portion 208. The diameter of the firstportion 206 is sized for use with distribution ports of the terminalsand tap boxes disclosed herein. The connector 200 has a snap ringfeature 212 configured to couple the connector to a respective port, andan anti-rotation locking feature 210 configured to prevent rotation ofthe connector within the port. The anti-rotation locking feature 210 isconfigured to engage with the anti-rotation locking features ofrespective ports disposed within the terminals and tap boxes disclosedherein. The connector 200 also includes an epoxy hole 214 configured toreceive epoxy, for example to seal the connector.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the connector 200, further showing an interiorcavity 216 for receiving epoxy. Epoxy may be added to the connector 200via the epoxy hole 214 and used to seal the connector.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the connector 200 being coupled to adistribution port 164 of the terminal 150 according to aspects of thepresent disclosure. The connectors 200 may also be used in conjunctionwith ports of the tap boxes disclosed herein.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the connector 200 receiving a firstcable 220 and a second cable 222. The second cable 222 may be, forexample, a drop cable to be supplied to an end user. In one embodiment,the first cable 220 may be a 3 mm cable. The second cable 222 mayinclude a foam disk 224 configured as an epoxy stop. The connector 200can include a key to be used with flat drop cable. The key can be usedsuch that the flat drop cable cannot spin once inserted into theconnector 200. In some embodiments, the connector 200 snap ring feature212 can be used with a c-ring or other suspending bracket in an aerialapplication. The snap ring feature 212 may be employed whenenvironmental sealing is not required. The snap ring feature 2121 can bepositioned in other places along the body of the connector 200.

In embodiments of the invention, fiber inserted into the connector 200is held in position but epoxy or other means of bonding, such assilicone or another sealant. The connector 200 can be of a differentshape and size. The connector 200 can be keyed, bayonet style, pushable,threaded or otherwise clipped into position.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an optical fiber distribution multi-pointdrop system 230 using terminals, tap boxes and connectors configuredaccording to aspects of the present disclosure. The fiber distributionsystem 230 includes a first terminal 232 and a second terminal 234. Thefirst terminal 232 receives a feeder cable 236. A drop cable 238emanates from the first terminal 232 and is received by the secondterminal 234. Thus, the terminals 232 and 234 are coupled in system 230.Further, a second drop cable 240 emanates from the first terminal 232and is received by the tap box 242, which is mounted on a house 244. Adrop cable 246 emanates from the terminal 234 and reaches the tap box248 mounted at a building or apartment 250.

Connector 252 is used to connect drop cable 240 to a port 254 of the tapbox 242. Another connector 256 is used to connect the other end of thedrop cable 240 to a distribution port 258 of the terminal 232. Variousterminals and tap boxes disclosed herein may be configured to receiveducts or microducts. For example, FIG. 20 shows ducts 260 being insertedinto the terminal 232 and the tap box 242. The fiber distribution system230, and each of the terminals 232, 234, the tap boxes 242 and 248, andthe various connectors 252, 256 illustrated in FIG. 20 may be configuredaccording to any aspects disclosed herein. The system 230 is merelyexemplary, and many other configurations of fiber distribution systemsmay be created using various components disclosed herein.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of both sides of an example ofone embodiment of an aerial terminal 300 according to aspects of thepresent disclosure. The terminal 300 includes a case 310. A plurality oflatches are used to lock the case. The latches can include bolts orother locks, clips or seals, or other locking mechanisms may be used. Incertain embodiments, the case is configured to be hinged. The case 310includes a handle and legs. The cover can be a removable hinged coverhaving up to four side entrance cable access ports. The terminal 300 canbe between 14 and 15 inches in width (14.75 inches in width, forexample), between 11 and 12 inches in height including the strandbracket, and between 7 and 8 inches in depth.

FIG. 22 is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the terminal300. The backplane of the terminal 300 is configured to hold a fibersplice tray 312, and can hold more than one fiber splice trays 312. Thesplice tray 312 can be a 12-fiber splice tray. The terminal 300 can havecapacity for up to 24 individual fiber splices. Fiber management andbend-radius protection can be improved by use of the terminal 300 andsplice trays 312.

FIG. 23 is a perspective, partially disassembled view of the terminal300. The terminal 300 is configured to include a cartridge or module 314and a plurality of ports 316 and 318 disposed within the case 310. Theports 318 are feeder ports. The feeder ports 318 can be foam sealedports 318. The terminal 300 can, for example, include six feeder ports318. The terminal can include 3 feeder ports 318 on each end of the case310. The feeder ports 318 can accept multiple cable types. The ports 318can accept up to 144 fiber count. Each feeder port 318 is a 14 mm sealedduct port with a breakoff cap and anti-rotation locking feature. Theports 316 are distribution ports. Each distribution port 316 is a 10 mmsealed duct port with a breakoff cap and anti-rotation locking feature.The distribution ports 316 can be FieldShield FlexPorts. Although thisembodiment shows six feeder ports 318 and 12 distribution ports 316,other embodiments may include a different number of each type of port.The ports 316 and the ports 318 can be sealed. The ports 316 and 318 caninclude knock-out covers that can be removed once a port 316 and 318 isused. The ports may also be arranged in a different configuration thanthe embodiment shown in FIG. 23. The terminal 300 further includes amodule or cassette 314. In this example, the module or cassette 314 is a12-port front feed cassette with splice and fiber management area. Themodule 314 is configured to terminate the fiber that runs into theterminal. Other embodiments may include other types or configurations ofmodules.

FIGS. 24-29 include various views of the terminal 300. In someembodiments, the terminal 300 can be configured to function similarly tothe terminal 150 and to accomplish similar advantages to the terminal150 operation as discussed herein, but with a different location withinthe optical fiber distribution system (i.e., mounted aerially or strandmounted).

Embodiments of the invention include the terminal 300 for aerialapplications or mounts and strand mount fiber deployment in a fiberoptic distribution system. The terminal 300 is configured to allowtermination of a feeder fiber and can accommodate a fiber mid-span. Theterminal 300 can allow cables to be utilized while feeding multipleterminals and access points in a distribution system. The terminal 300is constructed and arranged to accept fiber and distribute up to twelveindividual service drops, or more. The terminal 300 can allow formid-span for a larger count fiber cable. A service provider using theterminal 300 can deploy multiple terminals 300 along the same cable run.The terminal 300 allows for ease of access in the field. The terminal300 can accommodate 12 individual drops terminated to SC connectors. Theterminal 300 can accept FieldShield drop options and other cable dropoptions.

Various embodiments of the terminal 300 are complaint with TelcordiaGR-487 and 3125. The terminal 300 can support FieldShield pushable ductand pushable/pullable fiber solution with SC connectors for dropapplications. The terminal 300 can be configured to be compatible withother connectors. The terminal 300 can support pre-terminatedFieldShield flat-SC drop cable assemblies for individual dropapplications. The terminal 300 can include space for up to and including10 feet of buffertube in internal slack storage. The terminal 300 caninclude any of a length of external slack storage.

The terminal 300 can be constructed of black UV resistant thermoplastic.The terminal 300 can be constructed of other materials, preferably acorrosion-resistant material. The terminal 300 can be constructed to bebreathable and durable in OSP environments.

Various patch and splice configurations of the terminal 300 accept flatdrop and OSP cable types. Embodiments of the terminal 300 can be used insystems and architectures described with respect to FIGS. 1-20. Variousembodiments of the invention allow for customer defined configurationsto maximize scalability.

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices andmethods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in thedescription is for the purpose of describing the particular versions orembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbolstypically identify similar components, unless context dictatesotherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detaileddescription, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Otherembodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presentedherein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in theFigures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designedin a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods andapparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to thoseenumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intendedto fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosureis to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isto be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularmethods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, whichcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as anadmission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are notentitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Asused in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but notlimited to.”

While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in termsof “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning“including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devicescan also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various componentsand steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as definingessentially closed-member groups.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting twoor more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein canbe readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third,etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all languagesuch as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited andrefer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges asdiscussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in theart, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a grouphaving 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, agroup having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells,and so forth.

Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, oralternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systemsor applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is alsointended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

1. A fiber distribution system, comprising: a terminal having at leastone sealable port; and a connector comprising: a first portionconfigured to be inserted into the at least one sealable port, a secondportion configured to receive a fiber optic cable, and an interiorcavity configured to receive a sealant to provide a hardened connectorand to hold the fiber optic cable passing through the connector intoposition within the interior cavity by the sealant; wherein the at leastone sealable port is configured to receive the connector.
 2. The fiberdistribution system of claim 1, wherein the terminal is configured to bemounted aerially.
 3. The fiber distribution system of claim 1, whereinthe terminal further comprises an expandable module configured toreceive at least one optical component.
 4. The fiber distribution systemof claim 3, wherein the expandable module is configured to receive asplitter.
 5. The fiber distribution system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one sealable port further includes an anti-rotation lockingfeature.
 6. The fiber distribution system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one sealable port is further configured to receive a duct.
 7. Thefiber distribution system of claim 6, wherein the duct is configured toreceive pushable fiber there through.
 8. The fiber distribution systemof claim 1, wherein the terminal is further configured to receive aplurality of swappable modules.
 9. The fiber distribution system ofclaim 1, wherein the terminal further comprises at least one bend-radiusprotector.
 10. The fiber distribution system of claim 1, wherein theterminal is a first terminal acting as a secondary feed source and thefiber distribution system further comprises a second terminal configuredto receive at least one fiber from the first terminal.
 11. The fiberdistribution system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofterminals arranged in a daisy chained configuration.
 12. The fiberdistribution system of claim 1, wherein the terminal further comprisesan enclosure having a first retention space and a second retention spaceseparated from the first retention space by a divider.
 13. The fiberdistribution system of claim 12, wherein the terminal comprises at leastone fiber splice tray in the first retention space, and an expandablemodule configured to receive a splitter in the second retention space.14. The fiber distribution system of claim 1, wherein the at least onesealable port is one of a feeder port and a distribution port.
 15. Afiber optic connector comprising: a first portion configured to beinserted into the a sealable port; a second portion configured toreceive a fiber optic cable; and an interior cavity configured toreceive a sealant to provide a hardened connector and to hold the fiberoptic cable passing through the connector into position within theinterior cavity by the sealant.
 16. The fiber optic connector of claim15, further configured to receive a pushable connector through theinterior cavity.
 17. The fiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein thefirst portion has a first outer diameter and the second portion has asecond outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter.
 18. Thefiber optic connector of claim 17, wherein the second portion isconfigured to receive a stop coupled to the fiber optic cable.
 19. Thefiber optic connector of claim 15, wherein the interior cavity extendsfrom a first opening in the connector at the first portion to a secondopening in the connector at the second portion.
 20. A fiber optic tapbox, comprising: a mount configured to attach the tap box to a userlocation; at least one sealable port; and a connector comprising: afirst portion configured to be inserted into the at least one sealableport, a second portion configured to receive a fiber optic cable, and aninterior cavity configured to receive a sealant to provide a hardenedconnector and to hold the fiber optic cable passing through theconnector into position within the interior cavity by the sealant;wherein the at least one sealable port is configured to receive theconnector.